Pregnancy and Pre-Eclampsia in Teenage Pregnancy

Pre-Eclampsia is a condition that usually occurs in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Such complication is brought about by a defect in the placenta, which inhibits proper flow of nutrients that is needed for fetal development. If said situation is allowed to progress, premature delivery may be the only option. This post risks, since premature birth is associated with various baby disabilities like deafness, lung problems, and learning deficiencies.

Pre eclampsia is characterized by heightened blood pressure, fluid retention and the presence of protein in the urine, pre-eclampsia may prove to be fatal for both the mother and the infant if left undiagnosed. Same may even develop into eclampsia—a disorder that triggers seizures and convulsions, which in turn may lead to much severe consequences including death.

Symptoms

Escalation of blood pressure during pregnancy is common and this alone will not give any conclusive report with regards to the existence of pre-eclampsia. But if such scenario is coupled with swelling of the ankles, hands and face and the manifestation of protein in one’s urine, then it’s beyond question—the woman is suffering from pre-eclampsia. Other leading symptoms include agonizing headaches, continuous vomiting, abdominal pain, sudden increase in weight, and vision troubles.

Causes

What makes pre-eclampsia dreadful and frightening is the fact that its cause has yet to be completely identified. Contemporary notions point that the problem stems from the blood vessels located within the walls of the placenta. Further research reveals that women going through pre-eclampsia have spiking levels of activin A in their blood streams. However, the explanation behind such is still indefinite.

Factors that may spark Pre-Eclampsia

Statistics show that 3.33% of women in their first pregnancy have a propensity to develop pre-eclampsia. Another reason for the occurrence of such may be attributed to a genetic link. If your family possesses a history of said complication, then you’re a likely candidate to undergo the same. Studies also reflect that a woman who has experienced pre-eclampsia during her first pregnancy have a 20% possibility that it will occur yet again in future pregnancies. Other factors that need be mentioned are being obese, having wide gaps between pregnancies, carrying twins or multiple bundles of joy, and by getting pregnant as a teenager.

Treatment

When a woman shows symptoms of pre-eclampsia, it is but proper that medical treatment be applied. Though one must remember that there should be at least two symptoms that manifest at the same time to really conclude that pre-eclampsia does exist. Statistics illustrate that 20% of women who show piercing blood pressure during their pregnancy will likely develop the said condition.

When one is diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, it is advised that the mother be admitted to the hospital for meticulous monitoring and routine examinations. The medication that will be given is aimed to manage such condition, not to prevent the same. The only definitive treatment for pre-eclampsia is the delivery of the baby. And sometimes, this too, is not a possibility for time dictates the development of the infant.

Pre-eclampsia is manageable. Medications and strict diet may be taken to alleviate the high blood pressure and minimize the swelling.